Texas Senate Bill SB1287

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to compliance with prohibitions regarding the use of common core state standards in public schools.

Impact

The implementation of SB1287 could significantly reshape the curriculum within Texas public schools. By not allowing the use of Common Core standards, the bill encourages school districts to develop or adopt alternative educational guidelines. This shift aims to allow for greater flexibility towards state and local educational priorities, in alignment with the values and expectations of Texas communities. However, it may also lead to inconsistencies in educational quality across the state.

Summary

SB1287 aims to prohibit Texas public schools from using Common Core State Standards as part of their educational framework. The bill amends Section 28.002 of the Texas Education Code, explicitly stating that school districts cannot use Common Core to fulfill requirements for providing instruction in essential knowledge and skills. This legislative move reflects a growing trend among various states to distance themselves from the Common Core initiative, which has faced significant controversy and criticism since its inception.

Contention

Supporters of the bill argue that it is essential for Texas to maintain autonomy over its educational standards and to tailor its approach to meet the needs of its students. They advocate for a curriculum that reflects local values rather than a federal one-size-fits-all standard. On the other hand, opponents express concern that the bill's restrictions could undermine the progress made in educational quality and rigor. Critics argue that abandoning Common Core could lead to disparities in education quality and limit opportunities for collaboration among states that still measure student performance against shared standards.